The world of 3D modeling is quite a magical place. The technology of today is so advanced that photo-realistic computer graphics are often indistinguishable from the real thing. It’s no wonder why you’d want to use 3D models of your products or virtual experiences to wow your customers or prospective clients.
There are generally three ways you can incorporate the magic of 3D modeling into your customer experience. You can do the modeling yourself (from start to finish), which requires you to have specialized knowledge of the process and the software. You can acquire a license to use premade 3D assets. Or you can get your projects custom-made by using 3D services.
3D modeling and rendering is a very tedious process
Many steps of the 3D modeling workflow must be pieced together proficiently. A typical workflow looks like this:
- The Concept
- Base Mesh
- Modeling and/or Sculpting
- UV Mapping/Unwrapping
- Baking
- Texturing
- Lighting
- Shading
- Compositing
- Rendering
The list above doesn’t include grooming, rigging, or animating/posing, which may all be added to the workflow given the requirements of the project.
Each area of the workflow is a unique specialty of its own. Given the time it takes to become proficient in any one of these areas, it can take years to master them all. For you to endeavour the task of bringing your 3D models to fruition, knowing how to do so beforehand is a requirement.
Premade 3D assets can help fill in the gaps
If you are someone who has a partial workflow, licensing premade 3D assets is not uncommon. And while it’s possible to find a license that suits your needs, this option isn’t without its challenges.
For one thing, you’re not always able to find exactly what you’re looking for. Given that these assets are all premade, you’ll have to settle for what’s available. A specific item may be the right model, but the texture could be off. Or maybe the texture is just right, but the UV mapping still needs work.
There’s also the potential for incompatibilities regarding your 3D modeling software of choice. The specific source files needed for your software may not be available. And if they are, there’s the possibility that placing this item within your own workflow doesn’t pan out due to a lack of specific skills (refer back to the typical workflow listed above).
All the cards must fall in the right place to incorporate premade 3D assets into your own workflow. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck trying to put a puzzle together that doesn’t have the right pieces.
Have your projects custom-made using a 3D service
This option is the simplest of them all given it only requires you to provide the concept. From there, your projects are taken from concept to final render by a team of specialists. Affordable 3D rendering services can be a godsend for anyone looking to save time and money.
This is often the go-to option for those who lack 3D modeling skills but have a project in mind that they’d like to make market-ready. Yet, it’s not uncommon for 3D rendering to be sought out for personal projects as well.
Whether you’re a “do it yourself-er”, someone who’s just filling in the gaps, or someone who prefers the route of custom-made work, the magic of 3D modeling can no doubt enhance your experience, or the experience of your customers.
Image by Giovanni Gargiulo